Ireland have announced that Munster's Mike Sherry is on his way to New Zealand to provide precautionary cover for injured hooker Rory Best ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Wales.

Ulster's Best sustained a shoulder injury in Sunday's Pool C victory over Italy and is expected to sit out the all-Celtic affair in Wellington.

Ireland team manager Paul McNaughton commented; "Rory Best is still progressing with his rehabilitation this week and while he is still rated doubtful for the Wales game, we felt it was prudent to bring Mike Sherry down to New Zealand as precautionary cover. We expect Mike to arrive in New Zealand on Thursday."